Corsswinds and docking

[kmclemore]

Yeah, this didn't go well.

Looks like another Mac made it to the WAVY videos... *sigh*

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1445570416719567

[Be Free]

I've docked at that ramp before and helped other Macs launch and retrieve their boats. There is a strong current running through there and it can be hard to do with an inexperienced captain.

There is a reason someone was standing there taking videos of that particular ramp. Just like Haulover inlet, it seldom fails to deliver an interesting video. I saw several very similar attempts when I was there but fortunately none of them were the Mac owners. They had all been there before.

[NiceAft]

A Ray Line was invented expressly for this situation.

A sturdy line from bow to stern, run loosely, along port and starboard sides, can be grabbed by anyone on the dock.

I have a Ray Line (not named for me) along each side. In windy situations, I have backed into a slip and quickly step out of the cockpit, grab the line, pull the boat in.

The line works. When you need it, it’s there. When you don’t, it’s just hanging there waiting to be used.

[PhysicsTeacher]

I second, and third, and fourth what Nice Aft said. I tie on my "Ray Lines" (named after a former Blue Water Yachts employee who taught everyone to do this) at the beginning of sailing season, and they come off for the winter. SO HANDY!
They also double has my bow spring line when docking.

[OverEasy]

Ray was ahead of the game!
It’s a great idea!

I feel for this guy in the video!
I’ve been there!
(Note: If you haven’t you need to get out more )

With the keel up the high freeboard of our Macs have a high amount of Eid age to contend with. It’s just what it is. Now if one adds in a ripping current (like a River current and a transitioning tide flow) then things can get interesting quickly.

We try to studiously avoid launching or hauling out at any time other than at peak high tide. It’s just not something to contend with for us.

I generally try to look for ramps with a good pontoon and I usually try to hand launch/retrieve rather than powering off/on to the trailer. Yeah I generally plan on getting wet but I don’t mind it. There is less consternation generally.

Once early on we were trying to retrieve our Mac26X up on Lake Winnipesaukee with moderate to high winds. Over Easy went sideways to the trailer in a heartbeat with the bow moving across the trailer while the stern was pivoting on the trailer guide posts. It proceeded to diagonally clear the trailer and move on shore! What a laugh!
What else can one do but laugh?

It was a bit of a mess but no real harm was done other than my needing to clamor off with some “extended” deck lines to gradually haul it up wind and back into deeper water after removing the trailer from the equation. It was what it was so I just worked with it. It provided a bit of ramp entertainment is all. I used a rope loop block-&-tackle pulley system to give me enough leverage to pull the boat back up wind to the pier. (A couple bystanders came up afterwards and wanted me to explain how it worked ) I guess I just have a thicker skin and can see the humor it stuff like this when it happens. No sense getting worked up over stuff… one has to work with the “is condition”

No one is perfect and my pony in life is to have as good a laugh as anyone when it’s my turn to provide the entertainments

Best Regards
Over Easy

[Russ]

Yes there is a reason wavy boats have cameras at these ramps.

Looks like a strong current. Is that a 19?

Always an audience of camera when things go wrong

[Be Free]

There is almost always a strong current running in or out of the river at that ramp. The ramp is right at the mouth of the Anclote River less than a mile from the Gulf.

[Lars H]

My M26 has much more difficulty docking in wind than my old S2 7.2. I am seriously considering a bow mounted electric trolling motor to act as a bow thruster to keep the bow pinned to my dock when I dock single -handed, as my Marina doesn't have dock staff. The added advantage is I could use it as auxiliary power in emergencies. Has anyone tried this?
The Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar – 70 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft saltwater model looks like the best model given the power, shaft length and gps but is 24 volts. I have twin batteries on board (outboard and utility) that are linked together for charging but I'm not sure I can somehow have a way to take power off them to get auxiliary 24 v power to run it. Any marine electricians out there?
Thanks,

[45Plus+]

Definitely looks like a M19. I am wondering what type of motor he's got attached back there. I thought maybe an electric but at some point in the video you can see a pretty strong thrust stream coming sideways out from under the boat....and what sounds to be an ic engine running it. A bit beside the point to this topic stream though.

I rely on calling out the boat club duty officer or finding someone on the docks to catch my bow on days with challenging landing conditions. I will be adding ray lines next year for sure.

[tuxonpup]

My M26 has much more difficulty docking in wind than my old S2 7.2. I am seriously considering a bow mounted electric trolling motor to act as a bow thruster to keep the bow pinned to my dock when I dock single -handed, as my Marina doesn't have dock staff. The added advantage is I could use it as auxiliary power in emergencies. Has anyone tried this?
The Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar – 70 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft saltwater model looks like the best model given the power, shaft length and gps but is 24 volts. I have twin batteries on board (outboard and utility) that are linked together for charging but I'm not sure I can somehow have a way to take power off them to get auxiliary 24 v power to run it. Any marine electricians out there?
Thanks,

You can't use the motor battery for both 12V and 24V applications, and your motor needs 12V so that's out. I have a 24V electric motor for our dingyak and use a pair of 12V lithium ions in series to power it. If you're primarily using it as a bow thruster, I would just add a 24V lithium ion up in the bow as a dedicated power source. Our motor uses a wireless BT controller for forward/reverse controls, be a feature worth looking for if you figure out a decent bow mounting that will actually apply the props power in both directions efficiently.

[Lars H]

Darn Tux,
Appreciate the response!
Your suggestion sounds intriguing though. I didn't want to buy 2 more heavy 12 v batteries that cost $400+ but a 24V lithium ion might be the answer. Might even be able to use in my newly purchased dinghy. I'll check out options for them.
Larry

[Russ]

Here's a bow thruster in the mods section
https://macgregorsailors.com/mods/index ... em&id=1068